BEIJING, CHINA – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) convened a high-level
business and financial roundtable in Beijing on Wednesday, 21 October 2026,
bringing together Nigerian and Chinese business leaders to explore opportunities to
deepen Nigeria’s financial markets and identify practical barriers to stronger financial
flows between the two economies.
The engagement, themed “Strengthening the Nigeria–China Financial Corridor,” was
held at the Pan Pacific Beijing and provided a platform for businesses operating
across both markets to share firsthand experiences and discuss how financial
connectivity, banking relationships and investment channels could be strengthened.
Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, emphasised the importance of engaging
directly with businesses to understand the opportunities and constraints affecting
financial activity between Nigeria and China, particularly those that could inform
efforts to develop deeper, more accessible financial markets.
Philip Ikeazor, Deputy Governor for Economic Policy at the CBN, delivered the
opening remarks, setting out the objectives of the engagement and the importance of
translating stronger macroeconomic fundamentals into increased investment and
more developed financial markets.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman
Bello Dambazau (rtd), also addressed participants. Other speakers included Festus
Mbisiogu, Chairperson of Blue Diamond Group, and Chief Diana Chen, Chairperson
of CIG Motors, who brought perspectives from businesses operating across the
Nigeria–China corridor.
At the heart of the engagement was an interactive listening session in which
participants discussed opportunities for greater financial activity and the practical
challenges encountered in conducting transactions between the two countries.
Issues raised included the need for more efficient cross-border payment
arrangements, stronger banking connectivity, and the potential benefits of a larger
Nigerian banking presence in China. These were considered alongside broader
opportunities to facilitate financial flows and to improve access to financial services
and investment opportunities in Nigeria.
The engagement also featured a presentation on Nigeria’s economic reform
progress, improved macroeconomic fundamentals, and emerging investment
opportunities in the country’s financial markets.
Cardoso delivered closing reflections, underscoring the importance of translating
stakeholder engagement into a clearer understanding of the financial and
institutional issues requiring attention.
The insights gathered are expected to inform the CBN’s continued engagement with
relevant financial institutions and regulatory counterparts, focusing on practical areas
for cooperation within the Bank’s mandate.
The Beijing roundtable is part of the CBN’s broader strategy to deepen Nigeria’s
financial relationships across Asia. Following engagements in Singapore and at the
IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, the Bank’s China programme includes
bilateral discussions with the People’s Bank of China, engagement with ICBC
leadership, and meetings with Nigerian and Chinese businesses. The programme
will also extend to Guangzhou, where the CBN will hold a listening session with the
Nigerian business community to better understand financial challenges and explore
opportunities to strengthen remittance channels and facilitate investment in Nigeria.
